Common Camas

Common Camas

Common Camas was at one point one of the most common food crops across the Pacific Northwest. Found growing in meadows, open forests and along rivers this edible bulb is incredibly adaptable to a wide range of climates and soil conditions. Beautiful blue flowers emerge in late spring and the bulbs are typically harvested in the fall and pit roasted or boiled until they become soft, sweet and delicious. Flavor is similar to a sweet potato but even sweeter! Not to be confused with the white flowered meadow death camas! The bulbs are easy to confuse though the plants themselves are not, especially when in flower.

Latin Name: Camassia quamash
Site and Soil: a wide range of sunlight conditions and well-drained soil rich in humus
Hardiness: Hardy to minus 40ºF.
Bearing Age: 2-3 years after planting.
Size at Maturity: 1 ft. in height.
Bloom Time: May-June
Harvest Time: September-November
Yield: Many bulbs
Pests & Diseases: Not bothered by pests or diseases
USDA Zone: 3
Sunset Western Zone: 2-24, H1
Sunset Northeast Zone: Not listed